| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Slippery banks, fast moving water, deep pools, unstable ground, wildlife | Conduct site walk; determine safest access point; avoid undercut banks; evaluate need for PFDs; identify escape routes |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Broken tools, unstable ladders, damaged ropes or nets | Inspect all tools; verify equipment is rated for wet conditions; remove defective gear from service |
| Don required PPE | Slips, immersion hazards, cuts, biting insects | Wear boots or waders, gloves, and safety glasses; add PFD where required; apply insect repellent |
| Establish work zone | Crew entering water risk zones, falling debris, passing traffic | Mark safe areas; if roadside, set MUTCD compliant traffic control; assign lookout for water and traffic hazards |
| Determine water conditions | Sudden flows, rising water, undertow or strong current | Assess depth and speed; check for upstream beaver dams, culverts, or rain events; avoid working during or after storms |
| Approach water’s edge carefully | Slips, falls into water, unstable rocks | Move slowly; test footing with a walking stick; avoid stepping on moss or algae covered surfaces |
| Use proper access methods | Falls, collapse of access structure | Use ladders, ropes, or steps anchored securely; never jump down embankments; maintain three points of contact |
| Conduct work tasks (sampling, debris removal, inspection) | Cuts from debris, contact with contaminated water, slips | Use long handled tools; avoid kneeling near edges; wear waterproof gloves; stand upwind of organic odors |
| Keep ground crew away from water’s edge | Unexpected slip or push hazard | Maintain a buffer zone; designate one worker closest to water; others stay back unless needed |
| Use mechanical equipment near water | Equipment rollovers, hydraulic leaks, struck by bucket | Operate equipment on stable ground; keep outriggers back from edge; establish clear exclusion zone; avoid swinging bucket over workers |
| Monitor for wildlife | Snakes, turtles, territorial animals, insects | Scan area before starting; avoid disturbing animals; do not reach into thick vegetation or undercut banks |
| Manage cold water hazards | Hypothermia, loss of mobility | Limit exposure time; keep dry clothing available; use insulated waders; stop work if workers show signs of cold stress |
| Handle contaminated water or sediments | Chemical exposure, sewage contact, biological hazards | Wear gloves and eye protection; avoid splashing; wash hands after work; follow contaminated sediment protocols if needed |
| Exit water or bank safely | Falls due to slippery conditions | Use designated exit points; climb slowly; use handholds as needed |
| Clean tools and PPE | Contamination spread, slip hazards | Rinse boots, waders, and tools away from waterways; disinfect if necessary; store equipment properly |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, unsecured area | Walk area to ensure no tools or debris remain; verify site is stable |
| Remove traffic control (if applicable) | Worker exposure to moving traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket (if near roadway)
Waterproof boots or waders
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots (if using heavy tools or equipment)
Long pants and long sleeves
Personal flotation device (PFD) when required
Insect repellent
Respirator if strong odors or organic decay is present
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Stormwater, Drainage, and Waterways
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Slippery banks, fast moving water, deep pools, unstable ground, wildlife | Conduct site walk; determine safest access point; avoid undercut banks; evaluate need for PFDs; identify escape routes |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Broken tools, unstable ladders, damaged ropes or nets | Inspect all tools; verify equipment is rated for wet conditions; remove defective gear from service |
| Don required PPE | Slips, immersion hazards, cuts, biting insects | Wear boots or waders, gloves, and safety glasses; add PFD where required; apply insect repellent |
| Establish work zone | Crew entering water risk zones, falling debris, passing traffic | Mark safe areas; if roadside, set MUTCD compliant traffic control; assign lookout for water and traffic hazards |
| Determine water conditions | Sudden flows, rising water, undertow or strong current | Assess depth and speed; check for upstream beaver dams, culverts, or rain events; avoid working during or after storms |
| Approach water’s edge carefully | Slips, falls into water, unstable rocks | Move slowly; test footing with a walking stick; avoid stepping on moss or algae covered surfaces |
| Use proper access methods | Falls, collapse of access structure | Use ladders, ropes, or steps anchored securely; never jump down embankments; maintain three points of contact |
| Conduct work tasks (sampling, debris removal, inspection) | Cuts from debris, contact with contaminated water, slips | Use long handled tools; avoid kneeling near edges; wear waterproof gloves; stand upwind of organic odors |
| Keep ground crew away from water’s edge | Unexpected slip or push hazard | Maintain a buffer zone; designate one worker closest to water; others stay back unless needed |
| Use mechanical equipment near water | Equipment rollovers, hydraulic leaks, struck by bucket | Operate equipment on stable ground; keep outriggers back from edge; establish clear exclusion zone; avoid swinging bucket over workers |
| Monitor for wildlife | Snakes, turtles, territorial animals, insects | Scan area before starting; avoid disturbing animals; do not reach into thick vegetation or undercut banks |
| Manage cold water hazards | Hypothermia, loss of mobility | Limit exposure time; keep dry clothing available; use insulated waders; stop work if workers show signs of cold stress |
| Handle contaminated water or sediments | Chemical exposure, sewage contact, biological hazards | Wear gloves and eye protection; avoid splashing; wash hands after work; follow contaminated sediment protocols if needed |
| Exit water or bank safely | Falls due to slippery conditions | Use designated exit points; climb slowly; use handholds as needed |
| Clean tools and PPE | Contamination spread, slip hazards | Rinse boots, waders, and tools away from waterways; disinfect if necessary; store equipment properly |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, unsecured area | Walk area to ensure no tools or debris remain; verify site is stable |
| Remove traffic control (if applicable) | Worker exposure to moving traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket (if near roadway)
Waterproof boots or waders
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots (if using heavy tools or equipment)
Long pants and long sleeves
Personal flotation device (PFD) when required
Insect repellent
Respirator if strong odors or organic decay is present